The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1887-09-01
1t Stood By Secretary Stanton in the
Contest With johnson,
UNDER JOHN A. LOGAN'S LEAD.
An Interesting Chapter OF I'm
published History.
BY MES. JOHN A. LOGAN.


to the Union and the perpetuity of the Gov
ernment is by no means the smallest part of
their ritual. No man can become member
unless he can show that he has been in his
country's service and is ready to defend it
against all foes, foreign or domestic.
In the Winter of 1s67-'65 the country was
thoroughly aroused over the solutions of An
drew johnson, whose remarkable treachery
and political somersault after his Inaugural
ton as Mr.. Lineoln's successor had alarmed
and shocked the loyal people of the Nation.
He had issued proclamation after proclamation,
essaying to direct the reconstruction Of the
States lately in rebellion, without awaiting
Congressional legislation on these important
questions.
Rumors of conferences between ex-ofiicers of
the Confederacy and representatives of the
President had awakened an alarm much like
that felt during the Winter of '6O!61, when il
was known that plotting and conspiraeies were
going on daily here in the very Capital Of the
Nation.
In his high-handed usurpation and haste TO
hand over to the enemies of the Government
the supreme control of their respective States,
and the unhappy loyal and helpless people
therein, he had defed all opposition and coun-
sci from the party that had placed him in
power. In February, 1865, while en- route from
Tennessee to Washington, before his inaugura-
ton as Vice President, Mr.. Johnson stopped at
the Burnett House. in Cincinnati. In CONVEX
sation with Hon. Stanley Matthews he made
very startling assertions. Afterward they were
given as evidence of his inward treaehery even
then when about 10 assume the second highest
position within the gift of the loyal people.
His elevation to the Presidency soon after
through the tragic death Of Mr.. Lincoln.
failed to change his sentiments, and before
the next ensuing Congress had assembled
he began his acts Of treachery and base
surrender of all that had been gained
through the long and terrible conflict just
ended. Mr.. Stanton was particularly obuox-
ious to him as the immOyable friend Of Mr..
Lincoln and his policy. He felt that with Mr..
Stanton as Secretary of War his plans must be
thwarted, aud hence he had during the Sum
mer suspended Nr Stanton and placed Gen.
Grant ad interim in charge Of the portfolio of
the War Department, supposing he could
cause Gen. Grant, with his military notions of
obedience of orders, to carry out his commands;
but fortunately he was disappointed and
thoroughly discounted. Congress, on assem-
bling, Immediately reinstated Mr.. Stanton
under the tenure-ofofice act, relieving Gen.
Grant from the unpleasant position in which
he had been placed by the bad faith and mis-
representations of johnson. between whom and
himself there were grave differences, ending in
aquestion OF veraeity.
| Mr.. Stanton had not long occupied his posi-
ton when Johnson determined to depose him
despite the action of Congress. He appointed
| Gen. Lorenzo Thomas, then Adjutant- General,
as Secretary Of War ad interim, who presented
himself before Mr.. Stanton and demanded pos
session of his place by virtue of the Presidents
orders.
Mr.. Stanton refused to surrender the Office,
and ordered Gen. Thomas to return to his desk
and duties in the Adjutant-GeneraPs Office.
Mr.. Stanton's courage and GOODNESS at this criti-
cal monet meant much to this country; but to
stand single handed and alone and thwart the
unknown schemes of this mendacious Presi-
dent was more than he felt he could do
Neither did the patriotic men of the Nation
intend he should. For some time the move
ments of the President had been watched most
critically by men who had decided that he
should not betray the party and the country
Gen. Logan was then Commander-in-C Chic
of the Grand Army of the Republic. He lost
no time in seeking Secretary Stanton, and as
sured him that that organization was prepared
for the emergency, explaining to him that Al
that moment great many of these men wer,
quietly patrOlling the city of Washington
ready at a moments notice to take up thu
arms they had so recently laid aside, i
need be, to protect the Government ant
maintain its supremacy, and that h'
would be sustained. Mr. Stanton remained
night and day in the Department, expecting az
attempt would be made to remove him BY
force, and aware that the moment he should
leave his Office Thomas would take possession
He had his meals served in his office, and a
night touches were placed there also. ant
Secretary Stanton and Gen. Logan sleptthe til
the trouble was settled. Gen. Logan ATTENDED
upon his duties in the House Of Representa-
tives during the day-met his staff of TIN
Grand Army of the Republic in his rooms a
Wizards Hotel at nightfall. They carried on
his orders as to the posting of sentinels ant
being ready at a signal TO assemble at the Wa
Department, should fOreible ejectment o
the war-tried Secretary be attempted. Fey
persons here to-day know Of the part the
played by the Grand Army of the Republic
with Gen. Logan at their head, or of the salu
tary effect it had at that time. BY some mean
Johnson was advised of what was being done
and that Gen. Logan stayed with Stanton i
the War Department at night. lie spoke to Ger
Logan about the matter. Gen. Logan assure
him had he tried the execution Of his plans I
take forcible possession of the War Department
and control of the Army for the furtheranc
and perpetuation of his power. he would hav
, found that the volunteer soldiery were read
: to respond to the call OF their country, and I
protect the loyal people of the unreconstruete
States.
For months during these turbulent time
brave men felt the deepest solieitude, expee
ing u collision between the authorities. Gu
gallant Regular Army were scattered al owe
2 | the country, and much embarrassed by th
| President
The country had scarcely emerged from th
horrors of the war, the assassination of M
5 Lincoln and the great financial strain cons,
e quent upon putting down the rebellion.
a The rebel armies were hardly disbanded, an
their men had only returned to their desolai
homes and changed estates: property in SLAVE